HELP UNDERSTAND

What do u tell someone that you ghost a couple of months ago because things got awkward after he said I love u and u don’t feel the same but want to still talk. U understand like I ghost him but I still miss him. But u know right person wrong timing??? Idk 😩😩 I just really need advice. He’s off in the military and I’m about to go off to college and I just don’t see it would ever be anything there like he soo sweet and btw he’s my first. I really do care from him though and he always seen to pop back into my life. Please help???